Pro/con: competing in masks

Aili Forster, Staff Writer

PRO

Over the past year, many teams have not been able to compete against other schools, or compete at all. Now, with the return to in-person learning, sports seasons have begun again, and Samo teams come in contact with teams from other schools. Currently, it is mandatory for everyone on Samo’s campus to wear masks at all times. Compared to Samo’s strict mask mandate, some schools seem to be taking a more relaxed approach, and are allowing their athletes to compete maskless. Maya Baker (‘25), a player on Samo’s volleyball team, reflects this sentiment. 

“Volleyball isn’t a contact sport because you don’t come in contact with the other team, but I think it is good to wear masks because you are still close to your team members,” Baker said. 

Wearing masks with team members is crucial in sports like volleyball or doubles tennis where there is contact with team members and opponents. Across the US at least 1000 schools have shut down in-person learning already, even though the school year has just started. Rising cases are a result of several issues mentioned by the USA Today News.

“The rising number of closures comes amid a battle over mask mandates in schools and a surge in pediatric COVID-19 cases largely because of the highly contagious delta variant,” USA Today News said. 

Because the delta variant is twice as infectious as the original virus, mask-wearing is more important now than ever. Letting athletes compete maskless puts Samo at risk of becoming one of the many schools to close their in-person learning. Four football games have been canceled so far because the other team tested positive for COVID-19. If a player on the Samo team happened to get COVID-19 from the maskless opposing team, not only would the whole team have to get tested as well as stay at home if positive, but other students who came in contact with the player would face the same consequences. While there is an independent study program, it vastly differs from in-person learning and the distance learning program from last year. With no live teaching or contact with other students, staying home would restrict students from getting all the benefits of in-person learning, as they would be isolated from socialization and live classes.

While wearing masks might be uncomfortable for athletes because of the lack of breathability, the possible consequences of not wearing one are worse. Wearing masks is key to protecting yourself and others around you, as they filter out respiratory droplets carrying COVID-19. This is especially important for close contact sports, because close contact makes it easier for infected respiratory droplets to reach another person. For the past year, most people have become adjusted to wearing masks, especially at school where thousands of students interact. Samo’s mask requirement helps protect students from COVID-19. Volleyball coach Liane Sato agrees with this idea, and always has her athletes wear masks. 

“We cannot control which policies the other teams maintain. All teams should follow the required guidelines set by the State, County and District,” Sato said. 

Sports should be no exception from wearing masks, in fact, they should be even more of a reason to mask up and be safe, as teams come in contact with people from other schools who may have different COVID-19 protocols. Not following safety guidelines during games can be a danger to athletes as well as Samo students. Wearing masks while competing can lower the chances of Samo going back to distance learning and secure the health of all students and staff.

CON

Holden Kopman, Staff Writer

Since the heat of the pandemic, the time when COVID-19 cases were spiking, athletes feared COVID-19 could be the stopping point of their careers. Months later, many athletes were excited to return to competing. So excited, in fact, they hastily overlooked the mandatory mask policy enforced in many sports. Being forced to wear a mask during competition has proved a serious roadblock to athletes, as, according to the World Health Organization (WHO), many studies have shown that during exercise masks prevent proper oxygen flow, therefore putting players' health in jeopardy.

“People should not wear masks during vigorous or intense physical activity because masks might reduce the ability to breathe comfortably,” WHO said. 

Being able to comfortably breathe is essential for athletes to have the best performance possible, as breathing with ease allows athletes to get all the oxygen they need. Houston Texas defensive end and NFL superstar, JJ Watt, proclaimed his rejection of masks during an interview with ProFootballTalk™. 

“Take this sucker off, I’m gonna die out here” Watt said.  

Some Samo teams have expressed similar issues as heard within these major sport franchises. It is even more imperative for high school athletes to make sure they have access to the air they need in order to prevent future health issues. Captain of the girls’ volleyball team, Sophia Cooper ’22, has a very strong opinion on the matter. 

“Wearing masks is not preferable, making rigorous exercise very difficult...Intense exercising creates very heavy breathing,”  Cooper said.

Though Cooper is disappointed by the mask requirements, she has not once second guessed her passion for continuing the sport. Volleyball, being an indoor sport, must be much more strict with mask mandates, forcing the Samo volleyball team to adhere to the restrictions; a conflict other Samo sports teams do not have to face. 

While the majority of Samo teams have to meet the mask requirements, the fortunate teams such as baseball, cross country/track, soccer and tennis are grateful they are receiving proper oxygen during intense exercise and are able to have fun. Boys’ basketball team player James Ghaffari ‘25 is confident with his loyalty to basketball, but agrees there are many downsides when wearing a mask. 

“It does not necessarily affect my skills in the game, but definitely affects my stamina, overall hugely altering the game,” Ghaffari said. 

Given basketball is a sport of constant sprinting and ball handling, masking up is a major holdback towards allowing athletes to perform their best. Students and administrators fear of contracting and spreading COVID-19 has caused mask mandates to be implemented in many close contact sports. However, this seems unfair to those who wish to participate freely in their sport and perform to the best of their ability. Even though most are unhappy with the situation regarding their sports, hopefully sometime soon these regulations will loosen, giving players a chance for a mask-free experience.